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Fire breaks out at a Calgary construction site
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Calgary fire crews responded to an alarming situation at a construction site located at Centre Avenue and 9a Street NE. A passerby noticed flames erupting from the nearly completed condominium complex and promptly called 9-1-1.
Captain Mary Fischer of the Calgary Fire Department reported that the call came in around 3 a.m., leading to a swift response from emergency services.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the building engulfed in smoke and flames, prompting an immediate escalation to a second alarm fire.
This decision was crucial, given the size of the structure and the potential for the fire to spread. The flames were primarily located on the top floor, overlooking a small courtyard on the southwest side of the building, which posed significant challenges for the firefighting teams.
Firefighting efforts and safety measures
Fire crews utilized a ladder truck to access the upper floors, employing both external and internal strategies to combat the blaze. Fortunately, no residents were living in the building at the time, which minimized the risk of injuries.
Captain Fischer noted that while the fire was contained without any exposure to nearby structures, the potential fire load from the construction materials was a significant concern.
“The concern of the fire spreading to other floors was certainly significant,” Fischer stated, emphasizing the importance of fire safety protocols in construction zones.
The fire department remained on the scene throughout the morning to monitor the situation and ensure that no flare-ups occurred before handing control back to Clark Builders, the construction company responsible for the site.
Investigation and community response
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the Calgary Fire Department urging anyone with photos, videos, or information related to the incident to reach out via email.
This incident has sparked discussions within the community about the safety measures in place at construction sites, particularly regarding fire prevention and emergency response protocols.
As Calgary continues to grow and develop, ensuring the safety of construction sites is paramount. This fire serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with construction projects and the need for stringent safety regulations. The community is left to ponder how such incidents can be prevented in the future, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to protect both workers and the public.
